Bjørsmo shares journey of sexual identity in new Sámi drama from Norway

Vegard Bjørsmo, a 23-year-old from Kautokeino, a small village in Northern Norway at the heart of Sámi land, shares his journey of coming to terms with his sexual identity. Growing up, he struggled to be open about his sexuality, even to himself. A moment in his adolescence with his mother shook him when she voiced acceptance of those attracted to the same sex. He recalls feeling furious, questioning why she would think that about him.

Bjørsmo believes this was a reflection of the confines he thought he had to fit into, which made growing up in a close-knit community particularly challenging, especially with the weight of secrecy. Now, he’s using his experiences to reach a broader audience through a new television series.

“Oro jaska – Pää kii,” a Sámi drama, explores themes of breaking silence in small communities, particularly regarding sexual violence and homosexuality. The narrative follows a group of high school friends, including the character Issát, portrayed by Bjørsmo, who grapples with the aftermath of a party where he has no memory of the previous night. This situation places pressure on him to disclose his own secret: he is gay.

The series, which has been in development for five years, emphasizes the importance of a Sámi voice in its storytelling. Through workshops with Sámi youth, the production team aimed to authentically capture their realities. As societal norms still shun diversity in Bjørsmo’s home region, he reflects on the internal conflict of conforming to expected roles while navigating his identity.

Now living in Oslo, Bjørsmo feels liberated compared to the pressures of his hometown but is slowly reconciling with his past. He hopes that by sharing his story, he can foster conversation around these difficult topics and showcase the multifaceted nature of Sámi identity. “Oro jaska – Pää kii” is available for viewing online, providing a space for greater understanding and representation within both Sámi and wider cultures.